The Shawshank Redemption [4K Ultra-HD] [1990] [Blu-ray] [Region Free]

Breath taking pictures, absolutely stunning, best I've seen on a UHD disc to date, they don't get any better than this and the No. 1 film of all time deserves such a transfer. Soundstage wise, seemed very loud, compared to other discs? The film itself itself, never ages, magnificent.

Cover 3 / 5 If one knows the punchline the cover is quite effective. This rating is just for the Rita Hayworth Shawshank Redemption. I have yet to work my way through the rest of the book. Purchased as a contrast after Richard Flanagan's The Narrow Road to the Deep North and on a more cheerful note. Purchased this on E-Bay as a used copy of Stephen King's collection of novella length stories including Rita Hayworth and Shawshank Redemption. As I read the novella of 113 pages memories of the film flooded back with the film being reasonably true to the book. I did not have to create new pictures as the film had already done this for me. I like the viewpoint of a story teller. Stephen King has expressed in various literary interviews and posts his like of the novella format but he is sad the format does not appear to sell well. The story here is well told tight and straight to the point without lots of padding. An excellent example for those writing to self publish. The story like The Narrow Road to the Deep North could have been expanded and told in 429 pages. My Amazon review against my own reading criteria for a good read:- *Engrossing and interesting - Despite knowing the story and punch line the book kept my interest as it is tightly written. *Enjoyment and entertainment - An enjoyable read bringing back good memories of the film. *Emotional - Reinforced my wish never to go to prison as confirmed in reading about 21st Century prison life in Jeffrey Archer's Prison Diaries and a hundred years earlier in Arthur and George by Julian Barnes. *Educational - Nothing to add from the film. *Ease of reading - The strong solid writing to fit the story into novella format has much to commend it. A refreshing change from King's other books where I often feel a full page of text could have been said in one sentence. One for my book shelves and I read on the other novella length stories in the book as new material. Incidentally I have another memory here of the amazing You Tube video of Rita Hayworth and Fred Astaire dancing to the Bee Gees Staying Alive. Something which often brightens up my days. My wife would love me to be able to dance like these two. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mz3CPzdCDws New comment added 25 2 15 Story two an Apt Pupil Oh dear a great idea but the story drags on and on ... no encouragement to read more of Stephen King here. I read on Alexander of the Allrighters and Ywnwab!

If you haven't seen this for a while, I recommend taking time out to do so again, if you have indeed never watched it, all I can say is that in my opinion the film stands shoulder to shoulder with the great classics. Just watched it again myself having bought the 4k release, though the picture quality is noticeably sharper on this format, in my opinion there is no great benefit investing in 4k there are no special-effects to enhance one's viewing pleasure on the format, however whichever choice you make, i'd say simply watch or re-watch the film THE MOVIE REVIEW - After being convicted of killing his wife and her lover 'Andy Dufresne' (Tim Robbins) is given two life sentences and sent to 'Shawshank Prison' to serve his term. He soon realizes that the prison is a brutal regime, step out of line a vicious beating from the prison guards awaits....the prison warden 'Norton' (Bob Gunton) is a disciplinarian and great believer in the word of the Lord, though he certainly does not practice what he preaches. In time both the guards and indeed the prison warden will realize the educated 'Andy' will prove useful....... 'Andy's' story is told by 'Ellis Boyd 'Red' Redding' (Morgan Freeman) who had already served 20 years with little hope of release, turned down by the parole board time after time. 'Red' is the man one turns to if there is something you want, he can get most things, 'Rita Hayworth' -well no, but a picture perhaps. 'Andy' finds blending in difficult and at first is targeted by other prisoners taking several beatings... During the first month in prison 'Andy' barely spoke to anyone, the first, 'Red' who he approaches to get him a tool, from the outset without anyone catching on 'Andy' has just one thing on his mind - escape. A great friendship between 'Andy' and 'Red' blossoms down the years, one that's destined to stand the test of time. This is a gripping, sometimes heart-warming sometimes-moving sometimes-amusing sometimes-brutal and totally absorbing, the film draws you in from the outset. Many superb performances throughout. One of those films that qualities as an out and out CLASSIC (long time since last watching the film, certainly worthy of a re-visit now and again) Features - Packed with over 4 hours of amazing extras including commentary by Frank Darabont, cast interviews and much more...

Very readable book. As with all first person perspective books, the tone of the narrator is so important, and King does it perfectly. Also a classic example of how brevity can be key to a book. The novella is an overlooked form, and I admit I am not usually a fan (I find they don't go into enough depth compared to a full length novel) but this book has made me reconsider.

I love Stephen Kings early books and novellas, but not so much his later and more recent works. I read this in a day, and I couldn’t put it down. If you’ve seen the movie this generally follows the story and strays only in its chronology, and it’s all there and unputdownable. For once the movie is better and very much the finished article, but saying that does not detract from the power of the story with its many meaningful messages, and Stephen King’s ability to tell stories that are put on a human level that most, except those living in an ivory tower can relate to. An undoubted treasure of a short story, thoroughly recommended, 5 stars.

One of the best films of all time has a terrific 4K UHD version. It looks amazing. A must own for fans of the film and those might yet discovered it yet.

Fantastic book

Great read! A short story, but many parts were captured in the movie. I had a clear picture of the whole book!

Great novel. Having watched the movie itself, the voice of the characters really come to life.

I only just found out that there was a book the movie was based on. The story is so good that almost nothing was changed for the movie.

I have seen the movie, The Shawshank Redemption many times, but this is the first time I have read the story. I hesitate to call it a book, or a short story because it is too short to be one, and is too long to be the other. At 118 pages, it was a quick and fascinating read. Andy finds himself in Shawshank Prison for a crime he did not commit. He befriends Red, who is the narrator of this story. It was fun to read the book. I felt I got to know Red so much better than the movie, his thoughts and emotions. It's a wonderful story of human endurance.